Why Do I Pull Iron Shots?
In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins shares why golfers pull iron shots and offers some helpful tips...


"Why do I pull iron shots" is a question I often get asked by amateur golfers, and the answer is usually quite simple. Pulling your irons shots means that the ball travels left of target (for a right-hander) and stays left throughout its flight.
An important distinction from a hook shot is that a pull travels straight, rather than curving away to the left, usually caused by an out-to-in swing path. When your arms swing the club across the target line, this can often be the result, so how can you prevent it?
In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins shares some helpful tips on how to stop pulling your irons shots and improve your ball-striking...
Why Do I Pull irons Shots?
A pull can be caused by a number of faults. Firstly, the ball position is perhaps too far forward, which caused the angle of your shoulders to open. When you swing along the line created by an incorrect ball position, the club face is often closed at address. The start line of the golf ball in flight is dictated by the clubface, so this is the first aspect that needs to be fixed.
A ball position that's too far forward can cause the dreaded pull shot
Pulling the golf ball can also be a sign that your body isn't working effectively, with the arms throwing the club over the top of the target line. So, break it down. Hit some half shots where you are rotating your body through impact and transferring your weight towards the target in the through swing.
Thinking of the golf swing as two turns (one back, one through) is a great thought to give good rhythm and encourage the bigger muscles to drive the swing.
A simple and very effective way to do this is to focus on your finish position. Concentrate on swinging through to a full finish position and hold it (as if someone is taking a photo of you). Without becoming too technical, you should be able to develop better weight distribution and more effective rotation.
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The goal is to miss the headcover
A great range drill utilises your driver headcover. Place it down on the outside of the target line about a club head away from the ball. The simple aim is to hit the ball without making contact with the headcover. The best part about this is you get immediate feedback, if your angle of attack is from outside the target, you’ll hit it.
If you are struggling with your rotation in the swing, you could also consider some fitness and mobility sessions. Improving lower body strength and flexibility will help your swing as it's initiated from the ground up.

Katie is an Advanced PGA professional with over 20 years of coaching experience. She helps golfers of every age and ability to be the best versions of themselves. In January 2022 she was named as one of Golf Monthly's Top 50 Coaches.
Katie coaches the individual and uses her vast experience in technique, psychology and golf fitness to fix problems in a logical manner that is effective - she makes golf simple. Katie is based in the South of England, on the edge of the New Forest. An experienced club coach, she developed GardenGOLF during lockdown and as well as coaching at Iford Golf Centre, The Caversham- Home of Reading Golf Club and Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club.
She freelances, operating via pop-up clinics and travelling to clients homes to help them use their space to improve.
She has coached tour pros on both LET tour and the Challenge Tour as well as introduced many a beginner to the game.
Katie has been writing instructional content for magazines for 20 years. Her creative approach to writing is fuelled by her sideline as an artist.
Katie's Current What's In The Bag
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 9degrees.
Fairway: TaylorMade Qi10 5wood
Hybrid: TaylorMade 4 & 5
Irons: TaylorMade 770 6-AW
Wedges: TaylorMade Tour Grind 4 54 & 58
Putter: TaylorMade Tour X 33"
Favourite Shoes: FootJoy HyperFlex with Tour Flex Pro Softspikes on the course.
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